High Country Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC) is celebrating a bipartisan victory for American workers after the House passed her bill, the A Stronger Workforce for America Act. The legislation aims to upgrade the skills of American workers and strengthen pathways to economic opportunity.

In a statement, Foxx emphasized the importance of investing in the American workforce, stating, “This is the American workforce that smelted the steel that built the engine that propelled man to the moon... This is the American workforce that has repeatedly dropped its tools and its livelihoods on a moment’s notice to go fight in service to our country."

The A Stronger Workforce for America Act focuses on dedicating resources to upskilling workers and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in their careers. Foxx highlighted the bill's commitment to allocating 50 percent of funding towards upskilling workers through individual training accounts and on-the-job learning.

Additionally, the legislation prioritizes employer-led initiatives to equip workers with the skill sets needed for jobs in critical industries and to help the existing workforce upskill to advance their careers and avoid displacement.

The Act also places a greater emphasis on work-based learning for youth, supports individuals transitioning from incarceration back to employment, and strengthens workforce education programs at community colleges aligned with in-demand jobs.

Furthermore, the bill aims to fuel innovation for a skills-based economy by providing states and local workforce boards with the flexibility to reimagine their systems and innovate for better outcomes. It also facilitates skills-based hiring practices by validating workers' competencies gained through prior experience.

Foxx's A Stronger Workforce for America Act is a significant step towards empowering American workers and ensuring they have the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today's economy.